Eagle Scout is the highest
rank attainable by a Scout in several national
Scouting organizations, including the
Boy Scouts of America (BSA). The term
Eagle Scout is used to refer to a Scout who has achieved this honor. The rank is awarded upon completion of a community service project designed and directed by the Scout, the acquisition of a certain number of
merit badges[?], (21 as of 2003, 12 specified and 9 elective), and service in a leadership position in the Scout Troop. The highly respected rank is considered to be a significant honor, and is looked upon as an achievement even much later in life. In the BSA, only two or three percent of new Scouts ever attain it. The
Eagle Scout court of honor is a special ceremony in honor of a new Eagle Scout.
In the BSA, after acheiving the rank of Eagle, a scout may also earn Eagle palms[?]. Eagle palms are awarded for earning a certain number of merit badges[?] over and above those required for the rank of Eagle, and for continuing to serve actively in the troop for a specified period of time.
- See also: List of BSA rank requirements